Lion dance still a popular choice in ‘Year of the Wood Dragon’
SIBU: Lion dance is still a popular choice as far as booked performances are concerned for this Lunar New Year, despite it falling under the Chinese horoscope sign of the ‘Wood Dragon’ this time.
According to Sibu Martial Arts Association (SMAA) chief coach Gilbert Wong, the bookings for lion dance have been going stronger with the celebration only two weeks away.
“There are also demands for the dragon dance, but the traditional choice of the lion dance remains popular,” he told The Borneo Post here.
Wong said the response for this year had been very encouraging, with the SMAA having received full confirmed bookings for the first four days of the celebration.
“I think we have received 10 to 15 bookings for the first four days.
“We will be performing the lion dance from 8am to 6pm, depending on the locality.
“The lion dance is synonymous with the Chinese New Year celebration, and its absence is generally described as the ‘missing link’ should a celebration take place without it,” he said, believing that the Chinese community would be celebrating the Lunar New Year in full force this season, without being restricted by Covid-19 or other issues.
According to Wong, SMAA lion dance performers have been training hard at their main gym, at Jalan Lanang here.
“They want to pump in high energy towards improving their steps and synchronisation to the sound of the gongs and cymbals.
“I would ensure that my charges put their best foot forward and are able to execute each dance step when it matters most.
“We do not want to give a sloppy service; we want to showcase a high-quality performance that will make our clients seek us out again and again,” he stressed.
Wong said with the majority of his charges being also wushu exponents, it made it easy for them to work further on their routines.
“In lion dance, timing is important, and also the steps – all of which adds colour to the performance.”
On another subject, Wong did not rule out the possibility of the ‘fly-by-night’ lion dance troupes ‘surfacing’ during this festive season.
“Generally, the people do not view such thing as an issue, so long as they get the lion dancer to perform for them.
“That’s why we, at SMMA, always put heavy emphasis on quality and worth-for-money performances.
“Like I have said, we do not want to give a sloppy service.”